Anglers limited to 1 chinook per day in Marine Area 7

October 12, 2016

Action: The daily catch limit for chinook salmon in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will be reduced to 1 fish, with a 2 salmon limit. All coho and wild chinook salmon must be released.

Effective Date: Oct. 17 through Oct. 31, 2016, and Dec. 1, 2016, through April 30, 2017.

Species affected: Chinook salmon.

Location: Marine Area 7 within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (10,248) of chinook encounters - retaining or releasing fish - anglers are allowed in Marine Area 7.

The department is modifying the fishery to increase the likelihood of providing a season-long fishery and to try to stay within the agreed to number of encounters.

Other information: WDFW will continue to monitor and evaluate the Marine Area 7 fishery.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at 360-902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.